JOCKEYS forced the abandonment of Haydock yesterday after just one race. The 21 jockeys involved in the Sycamore Nursery presented a united front and refused to ride.
They decided the course was unsafe - even though the stewards had given the go ahead for racing to continue after the first event. The jockeys involved, including reigning champion Frankie Dettori and champion elect Pat Eddery face serious censure.
The show of strength angered many racegoers, trainers and owners. The local stewards will submit a confidential report on the affair to the jockey club headquarters at Portman Square.
After riding in the first race Walter Swinburn had described the ground as "atrocious"; Dettori said: "I don't feel it's safe and, all my colleagues agree with me.
Dettori, Swinburn, Michael and Richard Hills and a few other jockeys inspected the track in company with the stewards after the first race. One of the main problems was slippery ground at the bend coming into the straight.
The riders were convinced that it could have resulted in an accident but the stewards were satisfied that it was safe.
. Epsom Derby hero Shaamit was forced into premature retirement yesterday as a result of a tendon injury sustained during the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Plans to race the colt as a four year old had to be scrapped when scan of the knock he received when finishing seventh aid Longchamp was much worse than first thought.
. With seven races being televised live by Channel 4, Pelham could prove the best bet in today's Redcar Two Year Old Trophy.
The colt has developed into a smart juvenile this year, winning a maiden auction at Bath and a minor contest at Yarmouth. He has run numerous other good races too, notably when third behind stable companion Miss Stamper in the Irish equivalent of this race at the Curragh.
Today's straight six furlongs will be ideal for the colt to produce his best and he has very strong claims for at least a place in what looks a less competitive renewal than usual of this innovative contest.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)